Plan a School Visit

School programs at the National Building Museum inspire students to examine the buildings, places, and structures around them. During these hands-on programs, which meet national standards of learning and integrate STEM themes, students use the design process as a way to identify problems and investigate solutions.  They create plans, construct models, and think critically as they evaluate their final projects. By becoming city planners, engineers, designers, and artists during the programs, students begin to understand that their decisions can have a positive impact on the world around them.

Programs are are 1.5 or 2 hours long and are offered at 10:00 or 10:30 am and at 12:30 pm Monday-Friday. Programs will be offered September 25, 2013 through June 13, 2014, except for federal holidays. Since morning programs (10:00 or 10:30 am start) fill up quickly, consider scheduling a program in the afternoon (12:30 pm start).

Register for 2013-2014 School Programs

Exhibitions Admission

Two of our school programs (My House, My Home and Architecture 101) include a visit to one of the Museum's exhibitions.  All other programs take place in the Museum's Great Hall and/or classrooms. Your school program fee includes complimentary access to the Museum’s exhibitions immediately before or after your program on the day of your visit. Consider extending your trip with a visit to House & Home, PLAY WORK BUILD, or another one of our exhibitions. If you are not interested in participating in a school program and would just like to visit the Museum's exhibitions, admission is $5 for students 3 years old and up and $8 for adults. Tickets are not required to enter the Museum's Great Hall. Visit go.nbm.org/schooltickets for more details.

Opportunities for Everyone

The Museum welcomes all students and schools to participate in its programs.

Individual homeschool students may sign up for programs during one of our Homeschool Days. Organized homeschool groups are welcome to register for school group programs throughout the year.

The Museum strives to provide accessible school programs that are appropriate for students with varying abilities or special needs. Our programs are hands-on and can be adapted to complement a variety of learning styles. Please tell us about your students’ special needs, whether physical or academic, in the comments section when you register so we can provide the best program possible. The Museum has a wheelchair-accessible entrance on G Street.

Free program policies have changed from previous years. A limited number of free programs are available for Title 1 public schools throughout the school year. We are no longer able to offer free programs to non-Title 1 DC Public Schools and DC Public Charter Schools. With registration beginning August 1, 2013, these programs are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and will fill quickly. Schools participating in free programs at the Museum are required to complete a fee waiver form signed by their school principal.